YWCA Northeastern NY plans for expansion project

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 )– The Young Women’s Christian Association of Northeastern New York (YWCA NENY) is permanently relocating its Washington Avenue learning center to West Campbell Road. The center is making the move to meet the growing needs of the Schenectady community thanks to the launch of its Early Learning Expansion Project.

The former OfficeMax will soon house the YWCA NENY’s learning center. According to YWCA NENY, the center will provide affordable and accessible child care for Schenectady County, including classrooms, offices, and a gym.

Construction for the $8 million expansion project will begin in November and is a forerunner to the agency’s $48 million Harbor House. The expansion project will have 106 childcare slots, increasing the early learning program’s capacity by 78%. CEO Kim Siciliano said the Harbor House has been in the works for over five years.

“When a community’s basic needs of housing and childcare are met, families are more likely to succeed, and the region thrives as a result,” Siciliano said. “We are ready to bring these needed services to the families of Schenectady.”

The expansion project has received support from public and private funders. YWCA NENY is still seeking $2.3 million from local businesses, community members, and foundations to make the dream project a reality. Anyone looking to help the expansion project raise the remaining $2.3 million can donate on the YWCA NENY website.

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